Islamic Professionalism & Challenge of Modernity

Islam encourages Muslims to participate in all permissible professions in all walks of life and to excel in everything they participate in. Islam is not only a religion of the mosque or home, but also a religion of the office pasar malam, and marketplace. Taqwā (God consciousness, piety) functions as a Central Uniting Process (CUP), aimed to unify one’s multiple actions and multifarious human nations (Qur’an, 49:13), in a relatively similar way that CPU (Central Processing Unit) functions in a computer. Taqwā is not simply a meditative state which confines one to the mosque or isolates one from the world, but is a provision for finding one's way through the world.

However, there are some professions that typically compromise Islamic values, for example, by telling lies in order to secure votes, twisting the truth in order to defend one’s client, exposing one’s awrah (parts of the body that should be covered) in order to look smart, professional…, etc. These actions have become neutralized to some extent even though they are not in line with the Islamic values. Though not impossible, it is very difficult to obtain taqwa in such professions.

The dilemma now is that should we Muslims:
(1) shun these types of profession (and tolerate being branded as uncivilized nations);
(2)or accept these professional, conventional, un-Islamic values (and give in to the secularists’ demand);
(3) or set our ‘Islamic Standard’ which is very difficult to do given the diverse orientations of Muslims today (moderate, secular, fundamental, etc)?

In my opinion, I think we should take these types of professions but within the Islamic standards, it is going to be hard but we should endure these hardships.
we can't shun these types of profession, we are in the 21th century, we can't live in isolation of the world, however we can't resign any Islamic commands.

if we resign any Islamic commands, we are going to be like those people who said that Islam is good religion in the older times but it is not suitable in the 21th century,and they are doubting in the completeness of Islam religion and in ALLAH capability to legislate a religion that is suitable in all times, even though ALLAH said:

''(قال سبحانه و تعالى"(اليوم أكملت لكم دينكم وأتممت عليكم نعمتي و رضيت لكم الإسلام دينا

and we wont get any respect when we resign the Islamic values :

''(قال أمير المؤمنين عمر بن الخطاب رضي الله عنه"( نحن قوم أعزنا الله بالإسلام فإن ابتغينا العزة في غيره أذلنا الله

slm. this topic seems quite interesting.i hope it'll be more 'relax' than previous topics. so,my opinion is, i agree with the statement that there are some professions that typically compromise Islamic values. it cant be avoid in our millennium world today. but we cant shun these type of profession as ahmadali said before. so we as muslim could accept this type of profession but we should try to cultivate Islamic value and indirectly obtain taqwa in that profession. or just find another job!

i totally agree with ahmadali.
as a muslim,everything we do as a profession must within the islamic standards.
this what differentiate us from other religion.
living in the 21st century shouldnt meant that we must forget about the teaching of Rasullulah in the long past.
we are still a muslim and always be a muslim.

For me, in order to be a good Muslims, one should avoid all kinds of thing that may bring him astray from the teaching of Islam. There are many other profession out there. Why should Muslims choose profession that is immoral like that?..

For example, we know that it is obligation on the Muslimah to cover their aurah. So, knowing that deeply, Muslim woman should not do or take such profession which asks them to dress up sexily.

slam...
if u realized, a lot of professions nowadays need the workers neglecting all the syariah rules...
for example,
1) u can see at the certain brand of company, the promoter or the sales girls cant wear hijab if they want to stay/ work with the company..
2) some businessmans drink alcohol while dealing with their customer.if not, the customer will not deal a business with them.

in my opinion,

all these things happen bcoz they not realize and dont understand the concept of Islam which is we need to imply in every single thing we do..if not, we are in trouble. we can accept all these professional, conventional, un-Islamic values but we cant follow what they doing. maybe can follow the way tehy deal with customer, as long as it follow all the regulations and rules that has been fixed by syariah. to set the islamic standard, its very difficult..it will be more difficult if the country is the multiracial country which has their own faith and religious views. but, we can manage rules which can accept by all religion which will not cause anger. and maybe its the first step to manage the Islamic ways..

yaa.u are right hazrin.but this also depend on their own stand.if they look up more on money,they wouldnt care about not wearing hijab n drink alcohol.if the have high islamic stand,they rather starve to death than doing those thing.everything depend on their ownself

2030_17_aisha.tahir wrote: in order to be a good Muslims, one should avoid all kinds of thing that may bring him astray from the teaching of Islam.

Actually, I agree with you aisha.tahir that to be a good muslim we should avoid the professions that may lead to "haram", as prophet MUHAMMAD said:

" الْحَلالُ بَيِّنٌ وَالْحَرَامُ بَيِّنٌ ، وَبَيْنَهُمَا أُمُورٌ مُتَشَابِهَاتٌ لا يَعْلَمُهَا كَثِيرٌ مِنَ النَّاسِ ، فَمَنِ اتَّقَى الشُّبُهَاتِ اسْتَبْرَأَ لِدِينِهِ وَعِرْضِهِ ، وَمَنْ وَقَعَ فِي الشُّبُهَاتِ وَقَعَ فِي الْحَرَامِ"

however, as (khalifat allah in the earth) we have a political responsibility as well as religious responsibility, we can't avoid all kinds of profession, like the political professions, do you think we should avoid it also?!!

ahmadali...

It is true that today's world would not allow us to do our profession combine with what the religion asked us to do..but...for me..it is all depends on our niyyah and effort.. if we have try the best to follow Allah’s command, insyaAllah, Allah will be bless on us..if we can't avoid such profession (for example to be a ministers, women are not allow to wear hijab), there are 2 possible alternative...either we do not do the profession or we can do, but slowly change the 'rules' by explaining to them that wearing hijab is not bringing any harm to that profession..wallahualam... *sorry for broken english maybe*

totally agree with aisha.tahir

The reason why people work or look for jobs is to earn a living to be able to sustain themselves and their families. Nevertheless, they are people who seek to make a huge fortune to live in luxury and have a high position in the eyes of the others. The constraint comes when the source of making money doesn't match with the islamic values or is intended to fully live this life without any liaison to the real purpose of human on earth specially as Muslims.

Nowadays, it became very difficult to find a satisfying job without being involved in some islamic related dilemma. First, the Muslim should know that his mission on Eath is to obey Allah and worship him continously and he should forgive everything that obstruct and prevent him from doing so.

“And whosoever fears Allaah and keeps his duty to Him, He will make a way for him to get out (from every difficulty). And He will provide him from (sources) he never could imagine. And whosoever puts his trust in Allaah, then He will suffice him. Verily, Allaah will accomplish his purpose. Indeed Allaah has set a measure for all things” [al-Talaaq 65:2-3].

At the workplace, the Muslim should assure he is far from disobeying Allah or from doing his job without seeking Allah's please. And the rich is not the one who drives around with an expensive car or has a house 5 times bigger than normal or anything else, but the rich is the one who is self-sufficient in making ends meet and full satisfied with Allah's rizq.

First of all, we need to realize that all Rizq comes from Allah. There is no baraka in it if it is earned through haram means. Besides, the whole purpose behind earning a living is ultimately for Ibadah, so it's a clear contradiction to resort to haram means, EVEN if it's extremely difficult to avoid doing so.

Now, the question is how we should deal with them. Now, obviously, if the job itself is for fulfilling a haram purpose, then we have to completely cut ourselves off from those professions. However, if the main job is halal, but the standard conduct in that specific environment involves some haram, then we just have to make our stand in doing it the Islamic way and to leave the haram. If the haram is absolutely required with no exceptions, then we have no choice but to leave that job and hopefully find a job somewhere else where they are more tolerant with Islam.

In any case, the worst case scenario involves suffering quite a bit, but it's for the sake of Allah, which actually makes it the best outcome, for those who are patient.

salam,

my opinion, yes we should avoid all the haram things.. but at the same time, we should take a risk.. but, we do it in the islamic way..deal with islamic way.and show them that the Islamic way is the best..

for example, we should serve/deal with person politely and practise what islam had thought us..without offering them such a ridiculous service (sex service) which is become a serious problem nowadays..especially if they are dealing a 10 billions dollars project.. in business, we should help and support each other..

another example, profession with is close to haram is steward and models...if they really wanna be in that field, yes they can...but they must obey Allah's rule..not serving alcohol, not exposed the aurah and so on..maybe they can be a 'islamic figures'. be a model in photography or a runway for muslim outfit..which can show the world even muslim can follow the latest trend..indirectly, it can show to the world that muslim is 'up to date'..

but if it possible, we should avoid to that bcause theres a lot of profession we can do which no need us to expose aurah and disobey the Allah rules..

I'M agree with what Hazrin said... in what ever situation as a muslim we should think, whether what we do are right or wrong in islam...if we know that we what we wanna do is wrong in islam perspective, so it better not do it. the best way is find something that is permissible in islam..as we know what ever that islam had stated whether in the quran or sunnah are the best way for the ummah, not to harm the ummah..in whatever profession that we involve in we must know, we do is for the other and our good but try not to harm anyone(cheating) if possible.

2030_17_Ali wrote:“And whosoever fears Allaah and keeps his duty to Him, He will make a way for him to get out (from every difficulty). And He will provide him from (sources) he never could imagine. And whosoever puts his trust in Allaah, then He will suffice him. Verily, Allaah will accomplish his purpose. Indeed Allaah has set a measure for all things” [al-Talaaq 65-3].

I totally agreed with the Quran verses used by Ali... The verse described that we shall not do whatever Allah forbid us..we should belief in the Risq of Allah... Wallahualam.

I would like to raise and give another good example that seems to be in line or more similar in issue with the above topic, regarding the challenges that need to be taken into account for a Muslim medic @ veterinary to do certain things which in normal situation might be unlawful, for instance:

1)Can a Muslim veterinary touch a dog in order to make research @ to treat that animal?
2)Can Muslim doctors involving themselves in abortion??

Is it permissible to them to do those things in order to fulfil the standard level of profession??
Does u think Islam allows it? If the answer is yes, to what extend it is permissible? And if not, for sure the question is, why?
Islam has laid down several principles regarding every single issue. Islam itself is a syumul and comprehensive religion compared to other religions. What do you think, in respond to the above issues???

quite an interesting question zakiah.
kept me wondering too

slam... hei..

due to zakiah's questions...

1) i think its not a problem because most veterinary using gloves while treating animals..including dogs and cats.. but i think it it the best if they not treat dogs.. because it will cause problem.. let say if the dogs blood on their cloth, they need to sama' their cloth.. maybe the best thing is, they only treat animal except dogs and pigs..

2) well, everybody knows abortion is haram.. even involving in abortion.. so, just ignore or refuse if the patient ask them to do so..

haish..theres a lot of halal profession, a lot of halal work can we do, but why must we must choose haram??

Hadith 10;

on the authority of Abu 'Abdullah an-Nu'man, the son of Bashir, (may Allah be pleased with them both), who said: I heard the Messenger of Allah(pbuh) say:

"That which is lawful is plain, and that which is unlawful is plain, and between the two of them are doubtful matters about which not many people know. Thus he who avoids doubtful matters clears himself in regard to his religion and his honour,but who falls into doubtful matters falls into that which is unlawful, like the shepherd who pastures around a sanctuary, all but grazing therein. Truly every king has a sanctuary, and truly Allah's sanctuary is His prohibitions. truly in the body there is a morsel a flesh which,if it be whole, all the body is whole and which, if it be diseased, all of it is diseased.Truly it is heart. " related by al-Bukhari and Muslim

from the hadith, its clear we should leave all the things if u have doubtness in it.. the surgeon can do a surgery to other people which give benefits to both of them, doctor and patient.. the doctor have a choice, either to do a surgery on abortion, or do surgery to kidney transplan..i think u guys know which one is better rite? so, theres a lot of halal things we can do.. just stay with it, and leave all the doubness and haram things behind..

Ungs_17_zakiah wrote:I would like to raise and give another good example that seems to be in line or more similar in issue with the above topic, regarding the challenges that need to be taken into account for a Muslim medic @ veterinary to do certain things which in normal situation might be unlawful, for instance:

1)Can a Muslim veterinary touch a dog in order to make research @ to treat that animal?
2)Can Muslim doctors involving themselves in abortion??

Is it permissible to them to do those things in order to fulfil the standard level of profession??
Does u think Islam allows it? If the answer is yes, to what extend it is permissible? And if not, for sure the question is, why?
Islam has laid down several principles regarding every single issue. Islam itself is a syumul and comprehensive religion compared to other religions. What do you think, in respond to the above issues???

your questions is very interesting. i have one cousin who work as a veterinarist. i've heard many people discussing about this, but somehow, i got more confius. (n forgot actually)
if i wasn't wrong, it is permissible to touch dog (it is haram to eat). dog is NOT HARAM TO BE TOUCHED, because it belongs to mughallazoh, but we have to samak our part of body that got contacted with the dog.
wallahua'lam...

yup..but i think the best way is to prevent it rite?

salam,,
2030_17_hazrin_adzha rote:

yup..but i think the best way is to prevent it rite?

ya, but how can a vet choose whether to treat dog or not? it is their job to treat sick animal. it is their policy, to save diseased animals. same goes to doctors,(human doctors), they have to give their best in order to save life.

but for the case Muslim vet pose with dog, i have no comment..
wallahua'lam.

well... i just say we should prevent it.. if they are asked to treat dogs, perhaps they can recommend other veterinarians which can treat dogs.. maybe they might loose money, but in this case.. i think we should leave the money rather than Islam..

salam~

in my 0pini0n for the veterinarian to treat dog is that the situati0n is similar when i was in indonesia
the villagers said,as l0ng as the dogs are dried,we did n0t have t0 d0 sama'
then i refered t0 my ustaz,he said that is true!
but if the veterinarian have to check the d0g saliva o0 bl0od,i agreed with hazrin statement,0f c0urse the veterinarian will wear handglo0ve everytime they treating all kind of animals including d0gs.am i right??
like amiza said,they have to give their best in order to save life!!yay~
the p0int is n0t 0nly y0u have t0 c0nsider whether the professions compromise Islamic values 0r n0t,but,y0u als0 have t0 c0nsider where the salary came fr0m?are they came fr0m selling alcoholic drink??example,working at 7eleven sh0p,can we w0rked there??

wallahua'lam

slam...
based on the hadith....

Hadhrat Anas (Radi Allah Anho) says that the Holy prophet, Hadhrat Muhammad-ur Rasullullaah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) cursed ten people in connection with wine; the wine-presser, the one who has it pressed, the one who drinks it, the one who conveys it, the one to whom it is conveyed, the one who serves it, the one who sells it, the one who benefits from the price paid for it, the one who buys it and the one for whom it is bought. (Al-Tirmidhi)

i think u guys will know is it halal or haram if ur selling alcohol..

2)Can Muslim doctors involving themselves in abortion?

salam,,in my opinion,if possible, the doctors should refuse from doing so but they are encourage to give advice to the patients for not doing this sinful things...and i want to share something that relate with this question..

https://www.facebook.com/topic.php?uid=2227916301&topic=2394